Hey friends,
Here’s yesterday’s sermon called ‘The Big Picture’
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read) Statement: Understanding the big picture in our faith journey is crucial. We need to know the Gospel, live wisely, and experience the fullness of God's purposes, transforming ourselves and becoming agents of healing and reconciliation.
Text: [Mat 7:24-28 NLT] 24 "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching
* KNOW
[Pro 9:10 NIV] 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Here I must take counsel of the gospel. I must hearken to the gospel, which teacheth me, not what I ought to do, (for that is the proper office of the law,) but what Jesus Christ the Son of God hath done for me : to wit, that He suffered and died to deliver me from sin and death. The gospel willeth me to receive this, and to believe it. And this is the truth of the gospel. It is also the principal article of all Christian doctrine, wherein the knowledge of all godliness consisteth.Most necessary it is, therefore, that we should know this article well, teach it unto others, and beat it into their heads continually.”
–Martin Luther, St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians (Philadelphia: Smith, English & Co., 1860), 206.
What we want every member to know,
articulate and embody:
♦ How to Properly Receive Christ:
(1) To receive Christ is to receive all that He is. Jesus Christ is both Justifier and Justice-giver.
(2) To receive Christ is to receive all who are a part of Him
(3) To receive Christ is to give Him first place
♦ Know the Gospel in 3 sentences:
* We are separated from God due to sin.
* God sent His Son to bridge the gap and offer forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.
* Accepting this sacrifice brings restoration and a new relationship with God.
♦ Explain the Apostle's Creed in 3 bullets:
* We believe in God the Father, creator of all things.
* We believe in Jesus Christ, His Son, our Savior and Lord.
* We believe in the Holy Spirit, the giver of life and guide for believers.
♦ The Eternal Purpose- God’s eternal purpose is that the fullness of his Son, Jesus Christ, would be displayed and expressed visibly through a vessel that would be a family/house for the Father, a body/bride for the Son and a temple for the Holy Spirit.
♦The Bible Summarized: The message of the Bible is twofold: to show how people can be saved from their sins through faith in Christ's atonement AND how to live all of life as a follower of God.
2. DO
Jas 1:23 NIV] 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror
[1Ki 10:4-5 NLT] 4 When the queen of Sheba realized how very wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built, 5 she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the LORD.
Live wisely:
Living the great commandment: Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves, fulfilling the essence of God's law and displaying His character.
The golden rule: Treating others as we would like to be treated, demonstrating empathy, kindness, and fairness in our interactions, reflecting the selfless love of Christ.
Empowering of the great companion (Holy Spirit): Inviting the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit into our lives, who empowers, guides, and comforts us, enabling us to live a life of faith, obedience, and spiritual fruitfulness.
Embrace supernatural stewardship- Health, Wealth and Metron (sphere of authority)
3. Have: Experience the Fullness
[Isa 26:3 NLT] 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
The word peace is the Hebrew word shalom, which speaks of wholeness; nothing missing and nothing broken. The word shalom encompasses health, security, good conditions, success, comfort, safety, happiness, wellness, wholeness, and soundness.
We must cultivate healthy self-awareness and nurture our relationship with God.
Reconciliation with our families and pursuing shalom, God's peace, are essential.
When we fully grasp our identity in Christ, we experience healing and restoration.
We must allow God to continue to renew our mind, give us a new heart and heal our bodies.
We should be passionate about possessing God’s presence, power and promises.
We should endeavor to serve and be like….
Praying like the tax collector
[Luk 18:11-13 NIV] 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
Help people like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Give like the Widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44)
Serve like Martha, Listen Like Mary and Share your faith like the Samaritan at the Well (Luke 10:38-44 and John 4)
This Shalom should produce fruit
Evidence of Grace & Peace Seen in Our Beliefs, Behaviors, Boundaries and Blessings.
To know at times we will be devastated but not destroyed.
To at times feel lonely but know we’re never alone.
At times defeated but not dismayed. Broken but not shattered.
Struggling but not surrendering. Weary but not without hope.
Knocked down but not knocked out. Imperfect but not without purpose.
Faltering but not failing.
Lost but not without direction.
Stretched but not snapped.
Now, I challenge each one of you to take hold of the truths we have shared today. Dive deep into the Gospel, study God's Word with hunger and passion, seeking a revelation that surpasses mere knowledge.
Live wisely, not just as hearers of the Word, but as doers, loving sacrificially and treating others with kindness, compassion, and grace.
Embrace supernatural stewardship, recognizing that every area of our lives is an opportunity to honor God.
Step out in faith, trusting in His provision and guidance, and watch as He brings abundance and favor.
If you’re like, that was informative content, and want to buy me like 10 cups of coffee, then go ahead :)
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BGpy6TM
